Birchwood is the Bluegill capital of Wisconsin!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Ice Age Trail
We hiked the Blueberry segment of the Ice Age trail out of Birchwood yesterday. Eric had volunteered a few days of hard labor last May. it took us all summer/fall to walk this segment.. too much going on all summer..
Birchwood is the Bluegill capital of Wisconsin!
Don't be surprised if you don't see some of these kind of benches on the compound next summer! easy design and functional!
Birchwood is the Bluegill capital of Wisconsin!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Snow!
Our first snow of the season.. hope to get out of here before too much else falls from the sky!
this is only the beginning of winter here in NW Wis.. we got to hang on for 4 more days.. hope we don't get snowed in!
this is only the beginning of winter here in NW Wis.. we got to hang on for 4 more days.. hope we don't get snowed in!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
1 week left before we pull out!
Getting closer to to take off. We have begun to move stuff into the RV. We might need to put the heat on as it is getting below freezing at night. Don't want our canned foods to explode! Packed our work, vacation and beach clothes into the RV yesterday.. still need our daily clothes, food, booze and kitchen stuff. not too much more.
weather here today will be 46, Alamo 92! hope it cools down before we have to work.
weather here today will be 46, Alamo 92! hope it cools down before we have to work.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Maps & Stuff
Finalizing the route.. lots of maps and brochures to look at...
gathering stuff...
including canned apple pie, green dilled tomatos, chili base, blackberry jam, apple maple jam, maple syrup and salsa. we will not go hungry!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge
Along the banks of the lower Rio Grande is the Santa Ana National Wildlife
Refuge, a 2,088 acre refuge established in 1943 for the protection of migratory
birds. Considered the ‘jewel’ of the refuge system, this essential ‘island’ of
thorn forest habitat is host or home to nearly 400 different types of birds and
a myriad of other species, including the indigo snake, malachite butterfly and
the endangered ocelot.
At an ecological crossroad, Santa Ana is strategically located where subtropical climate, gulf coast, great plains and Chihuahuan desert meet. Thousands of birds from the Central and Mississippi flyways funnel through the area on their way to and from Central and South America. This small patch of midvalley riparian woodland is also habitat for about one half of all butterfly species found in the United States.
Before dams and control structures significantly reduced the flow of the Rio Grande, periodic floods cut shifting channels into the delta creating crescent-shaped oxbow lakes, referred to as ‘resacas.’ Santa Ana’s management program mimics the historical flooding of the Rio Grande, maintaining the bottom land hardwood forest and providing crucial nesting and feeding habitat for birds, watering holes for animals, and homes for countless amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans and insects.
With over 95 percent of the original habitat in the lower Rio Grande delta cleared or altered, Santa Ana is a reminder of the semitropical thorn forest that once dominated the area.
Birds
The 397 species of birds found on Santa Ana make it a birder’s delight. Waterfowl, marsh birds and shorebirds can be seen on the lakes and wetlands of the refuge. Some species to look for are black-bellied and fulvous whistling duck, mottled duck, blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal, least grebe, anhinga, tricolored heron, white ibis, lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitcher and least tern.
Migrating raptors that fly over the refuge in spring and fall include osprey, broadwing hawk, northern harrier and peregrine falcon. Santa Ana NWR's rarest raptors, the hook-billed kite and gray hawk, are seen occasionally on the refuge and attract birders from around the world. Spring warblers are abundant, with over 35 species seen, including golden-winged warbler, magnolia warbler, northern and tropical parula, American redstart, palm warbler and yellow-breasted chat.
Other specialties found in the lower Rio Grande Valley include the buff-bellied hummingbird, roseate spoonbill, masked duck, plain chachalaca, red-billed pigeon, Inca dove, ruddy ground dove, groove-billed ani, pauraque, ringed and green kingfishers, Couch’s and tropical kingbirds, great kiskadee, green jay, clay-colored robin and Chihuahuan raven.
Butterflies
Zebra longwings, Julias, and Mexican bluewings are but a few of the more than 300 butterfly species found on the refuge. A favored spot by butterflies and visitors alike is the butterfly garden in front of the Santa Ana Visitor Center. You’ll hardly need your binoculars! Peak diversity falls between October and December. A single October day has been known to produce a tremendous 65 documented species! For a list of species, please check the Butterflies of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge website Butterfly Checklist.
Wildlife
Bobcat, coyote, armadillo, long-tailed weasel and Mexican ground squirrel are a few of the mammals found on the refuge. The endangered ocelot and jaguarundi are also present but rarely seen.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Stop by and get the latest news on wildlife sightings. Exciting, informative programs are offered and displays feature the spectacular flora and fauna found in the Valley. The bookshop features everything from the latest field guides to insect repellant. To enhance your visit, pick up maps, bird lists and binoculars at the front desk.
Recreation Opportunities
Trails
There are 12 miles of foot trails and access roads that are open to hiking in addition to the 7-mile tour road. These trails vary in length from ½ mile (paved and wheelchair-accessible) to the seven mile Wildlife Drive. Some start from the Visitor Center, others from parking lots along the wildlife drive. Trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. During the winter season, roving naturalists and guides are available to assist visitors.
Wildlife Drive
The seven mile wildlife drive, open on weekends during the summer, provides excellent opportunities for exploring the more remote areas of Santa Ana. The drive is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from May through November. Please call the Visitor Center at (956) 784-7500 before arrival to confirm that the drive will be open.
Interpretive Tram
A 60-passenger interpretive tram is in operation from Thanksgiving to the end of April. Available seven days a week, the 1.5 hour tour departs the Santa Ana Visitor Center three times daily (call for times). Cost is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Arrangements can be made by visitors with tram operators to schedule a drop-off/pick-up in the more remote areas. Please call the Visitor Center at (956) 784-7500 before arrival to confirm that the tram is running.
Bicycles
Bicycles are welcome on the wildlife drive daily from sunrise to sunset.
At an ecological crossroad, Santa Ana is strategically located where subtropical climate, gulf coast, great plains and Chihuahuan desert meet. Thousands of birds from the Central and Mississippi flyways funnel through the area on their way to and from Central and South America. This small patch of midvalley riparian woodland is also habitat for about one half of all butterfly species found in the United States.
Before dams and control structures significantly reduced the flow of the Rio Grande, periodic floods cut shifting channels into the delta creating crescent-shaped oxbow lakes, referred to as ‘resacas.’ Santa Ana’s management program mimics the historical flooding of the Rio Grande, maintaining the bottom land hardwood forest and providing crucial nesting and feeding habitat for birds, watering holes for animals, and homes for countless amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans and insects.
With over 95 percent of the original habitat in the lower Rio Grande delta cleared or altered, Santa Ana is a reminder of the semitropical thorn forest that once dominated the area.
Birds
The 397 species of birds found on Santa Ana make it a birder’s delight. Waterfowl, marsh birds and shorebirds can be seen on the lakes and wetlands of the refuge. Some species to look for are black-bellied and fulvous whistling duck, mottled duck, blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal, least grebe, anhinga, tricolored heron, white ibis, lesser yellowlegs, long-billed dowitcher and least tern.
Migrating raptors that fly over the refuge in spring and fall include osprey, broadwing hawk, northern harrier and peregrine falcon. Santa Ana NWR's rarest raptors, the hook-billed kite and gray hawk, are seen occasionally on the refuge and attract birders from around the world. Spring warblers are abundant, with over 35 species seen, including golden-winged warbler, magnolia warbler, northern and tropical parula, American redstart, palm warbler and yellow-breasted chat.
Other specialties found in the lower Rio Grande Valley include the buff-bellied hummingbird, roseate spoonbill, masked duck, plain chachalaca, red-billed pigeon, Inca dove, ruddy ground dove, groove-billed ani, pauraque, ringed and green kingfishers, Couch’s and tropical kingbirds, great kiskadee, green jay, clay-colored robin and Chihuahuan raven.
Butterflies
Zebra longwings, Julias, and Mexican bluewings are but a few of the more than 300 butterfly species found on the refuge. A favored spot by butterflies and visitors alike is the butterfly garden in front of the Santa Ana Visitor Center. You’ll hardly need your binoculars! Peak diversity falls between October and December. A single October day has been known to produce a tremendous 65 documented species! For a list of species, please check the Butterflies of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge website Butterfly Checklist.
Wildlife
Bobcat, coyote, armadillo, long-tailed weasel and Mexican ground squirrel are a few of the mammals found on the refuge. The endangered ocelot and jaguarundi are also present but rarely seen.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Stop by and get the latest news on wildlife sightings. Exciting, informative programs are offered and displays feature the spectacular flora and fauna found in the Valley. The bookshop features everything from the latest field guides to insect repellant. To enhance your visit, pick up maps, bird lists and binoculars at the front desk.
Recreation Opportunities
Trails
There are 12 miles of foot trails and access roads that are open to hiking in addition to the 7-mile tour road. These trails vary in length from ½ mile (paved and wheelchair-accessible) to the seven mile Wildlife Drive. Some start from the Visitor Center, others from parking lots along the wildlife drive. Trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. During the winter season, roving naturalists and guides are available to assist visitors.
Wildlife Drive
The seven mile wildlife drive, open on weekends during the summer, provides excellent opportunities for exploring the more remote areas of Santa Ana. The drive is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from May through November. Please call the Visitor Center at (956) 784-7500 before arrival to confirm that the drive will be open.
Interpretive Tram
A 60-passenger interpretive tram is in operation from Thanksgiving to the end of April. Available seven days a week, the 1.5 hour tour departs the Santa Ana Visitor Center three times daily (call for times). Cost is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Arrangements can be made by visitors with tram operators to schedule a drop-off/pick-up in the more remote areas. Please call the Visitor Center at (956) 784-7500 before arrival to confirm that the tram is running.
Bicycles
Bicycles are welcome on the wildlife drive daily from sunrise to sunset.
Two weeks to take off..
we are gettting ready.. loading up the spare bedroom with stuff to take on the trip. Canned some salsa and green tomatoes this past weekend. Still need to get clothes together. last year was so cold that it makes is hard to figure out what to take. so we will take a bit of everything.. Shorts, jean, long sleeve shirts, tank tops..
we changed our route a bit.. going straight thru Iowa, by passing Kansas City. we can catch it on the way back if need be (or maybe next year?).
we changed our route a bit.. going straight thru Iowa, by passing Kansas City. we can catch it on the way back if need be (or maybe next year?).
Friday, October 7, 2011
Oct 7, 2011
We took a quick trip to Door county. it was a 7 hr drive there.. a bit long for us.. a little over 300 miles. but the weather was perfect, the visit with friends was fantastic, the food was way too good and the colors were at peak.
we stopped at Charlies Smokehouse in Gills Rock. they were just pulling the whitefish out of the smoker. it was by far the best smoked fish we ever had. we ate it the place while enjoying lake Michigan and the fall colors.
we did get to try out the house phone, it should work in Texas.. did not get an opportunity to check out the satellite dish, no time.. but will work on that on the road.
the next couple of weeks will be used for packing and getting the house ready for winter. we are hoping for a good Oct, keeping our fingers crossed.
we stopped at Charlies Smokehouse in Gills Rock. they were just pulling the whitefish out of the smoker. it was by far the best smoked fish we ever had. we ate it the place while enjoying lake Michigan and the fall colors.
we did get to try out the house phone, it should work in Texas.. did not get an opportunity to check out the satellite dish, no time.. but will work on that on the road.
the next couple of weeks will be used for packing and getting the house ready for winter. we are hoping for a good Oct, keeping our fingers crossed.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Oct 2, 2011
We got the RV ready for our 3 day trip to Sturgeon Bay Wi. the weather is suppose to be great with lots of sun. Hoping to head out by 7am tomorrow.
its suppose to be a 6.5 hour trip... you know we like to stop a lot so will probably take us a few more hours to get there.
its suppose to be a 6.5 hour trip... you know we like to stop a lot so will probably take us a few more hours to get there.
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